Propelling device

ABSTRACT

A device for propelling skiers, skaters and the like, consisting of an engine and propeller assembly mounted on a frame which is attachable to the person. A forward thrust of sufficient magnitude is generated by the propeller and transmitted through the frame to drive the skier or skater.

United States Patent Inventor Donald E. Steeg 4881 Beech Daly, Dearbom Heights, Mich. 48125 Appl. No. 812,012 Filed Apr. 1,1969 Patented Apr. 27, 1971 PROPELLING DEVICE 1 Claim, 3 Drawing Figs.

05. Cl 416/63, 416/247 lnt. Cl 1363b 7/02 FieldofSearch 4l6/62,63,

2,596,378 2,884,075 2,509,603 3,1 13,550 3,323,481 D'es. 168,807

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1952 Dobbins 416/63 4/1959 Poon 416/63 5/1950 Marin ll5/70(X), 12/1963 Omer 115/70 6/1967 Harvey l15/6.l 2/1953 Reuther l15/7Q X) Primary Examiner-Everette A. Powell, Jr. Attorney-Adolph G. Martin v device for propelling skiers, skaters and the like, consisting of an engine and propeller assembly mounted on a frame which is attachable to the person. A forward thrust of sufficient magnitude is generated by the propeller and transmitted through the frame to drive the skier or skater.

PATENTEU APR27 l9?! INVENTOR DONALD E. STEEG avq nf /wd f ATTORNEY PROPELLING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to propulsion devices, and particularly to a lightweight conveniently portable device adapted for use in propelling individuals being supported or carried by skates, skies, sled, bicycles and other similar vehicles. Numerous similar devices have been contrived for this purpose, but because of their bulk, weight, and cost, and the dangers inherent in such propulsion devices, they have never gained widespread public acceptance.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION This invention consists of a frame having on the rear portion thereof a prime mover 30 operatively connected to a propeller 34. A saddle 14, provided by the frame 10, is adapted to seat on the shoulders of an individual. A backengaging support 22 on the frame 10, has thereon an adjustable strap 24 for attachment to the individual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES IN THE DRAWING DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION CONSTRUCTION For a more detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings in which numeral 10 designates a frame having a pair of spaced tubular members 12 each shaped to provide a downwardly disposed saddle 14 therein intermediate the ends. A resilient pad 16 is attached to the inner side of the saddle 14 in each of the tubular members I2. An upwardly disposed U-shaped section 18 is provided on the rear portion of each tubular member 12.

A mounting plate 20 connects the two U-shaped sections 18 of the tubular members 12. A back-engaging support 22 is mounted on the frame 10, and provided with an adjustable strap 24. A downwardly disposed handle 26, on the forward end of each tubular member 12, has thereon a resilient gnp 28. A prime mover, such as a gasoline engine 30, attached to the mounting plate 20, has a laterally disposed drive shaft 32.

A propeller 34, on the drive shaft 32, is enclosed by a wire guard 36 secured to the mounting plate 20. The prime mover 30 has flexible cable choke and throttle controls, 38 and 40 respectively, adjustably mounted on the two tubular members 12. A starter cord 42 on the engine 30, is slidably retained in one of the tubular members 12. A grip 44, on the free end of the starter cord 42, is positioned adjacent the saddle 14, so as to be readily accessible to the user when he is wearing the propelling device.

The preceding discussion completes a description of the structural details of the applicant's invention herein disclosed. However, to facilitate a more thorough understanding and appreciation of the subject matter, a discussion is immediately hereinafter set forth explaining the manner in which the device is used to perform its intended function.

USE

In use, the propelling device is mounted on an individual, such as a skier, by seating the saddles 14 in the tubular members 12 on the shoulders, and attaching the adjustable stra 24 on the back support 22, as shown in FIG. 1. The cho e and throttle of the engine 30 are then ad usted for starting by means of the controls 38 and 40 respectively. The grip 44 on the starter cord 42 is then grasped by the skier and pulled thereby starting the engine 30.

The engine throttle control 40 is next adjusted to provide the thrust necessary to propel the skier forward at the desired speed. In practice, it may prove desirable to provide stop and throttle controls which can be held by the individual together with his ski poles. The skier can then manipulate them simultaneously so as to provide greater safety and flexibility of operation.

Based upon the foregoing discussion, the applicant is of the opinion that his invention has fulfilled a long-felt need in the field of propulsion devices, and that he has accordingly made a valuable contribution to the related art. However, while the invention was described with reference to the structural details of a single embodiment, it will be appreciated by those familiar with the art, that the principles involved are susceptible of numerous other practical adaptations.

I claim:

1. A propelling device for use by an individual such as a skier, such device comprising a pair of spaced members, a forwardly disposed handle on one end of each spaced member, an upright U-shaped section on the other end of each spaced member, a downwardly disposed saddle in each of the spaced members intermediate the ends thereof, a vertically disposed mounting plate connecting the two upright U-shaped sections on the spaced members, a back engaging support attached to the two spaced members, a prime mover supported by the mounting plate, a propeller drivably connected to the prime mover, a guard enclosing the propeller supported by the mounting plate, and control means for the prime mover supported on the two spaced members and disposed adjacent the handles. 

1. A propelling device for use by an individual such as a skier, such device comprising a pair of spaced members, a forwardly disposed handle on one end of each spaced member, an upright Ushaped section on the other end of each spaced member, a downwardly disposed saddle in each of the spaced members intermediate the ends thereof, a vertically disposed mounting plate connecting the two upright U-shaped sections on the spaced members, a back engaging support attached to the two spaced members, a prime mover supported by the mounting plate, a propeller drivably connected to the prime mover, a guard enclosing the propeller supported by the mounting plate, and control means for the prime mover supported on the two spaced members and disposed adjacent the handles. 